Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has announced that nearly 1,000 Ghanaians have been successfully evacuated from South Africa following a recent wave of xenophobic attacks in the country.
According to the minister, the evacuation exercise demonstrates the government’s commitment to protecting Ghanaian citizens abroad, particularly during periods of crisis and uncertainty.
“We kept our promise. No Ghanaian has been abandoned in harm’s way, About a thousand Ghanaians have now been evacuated from South Africa by the Government of Ghana following the latest wave of xenophobic attacks.”
Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa
The minister’s remarks come amid renewed concerns about the safety of foreign nationals residing in South Africa, where incidents of xenophobic violence have periodically affected migrant communities, including Ghanaians.
Warm Reception for Returning Nationals
The Foreign Minister, who doubles as the North Tongu MP, described the return of the evacuees as a deeply emotional moment, saying it was an honour to welcome them back home.
“Last night, it was a profound honour to welcome our fellow nationals with love, warmth and the pride of being a servant leader in a great country which does not forsake our citizens, particularly in times of distress”.
Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa
His comments underscore the government’s efforts not only to facilitate the safe return of affected citizens but also to reassure Ghanaians abroad that their welfare remains a national priority.
The evacuation exercise involved extensive coordination among several state institutions and international partners to ensure the safe transportation of the affected individuals back to Ghana.
Reintegration Support Remains a Priority
While celebrating the successful evacuation mission, the Foreign Affairs Minister stressed that the government’s responsibility does not end with bringing citizens home.
“But our work is far from over,” Hon. Ablakwa noted. He outlined a range of measures that the government intends to pursue to support the returnees as they begin rebuilding their lives in Ghana.
“We shall ensure reintegration with dignity, medical and psychosocial support, pursue compensation for those who have left properties and businesses behind, secure jobs for folks able to work, and intensify our efforts towards achieving Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah’s Pan-African dream of genuine African integration.”
Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa
The minister’s statement highlights the multidimensional impact of forced displacement, particularly for individuals who may have lost businesses, employment opportunities, homes and social networks in the process.
The proposed interventions are therefore expected to address both the immediate welfare needs of returnees and their long term socioeconomic reintegration.
Collaboration Behind the Evacuation Exercise
Hon. Ablakwa commended the institutions and individuals whose efforts contributed to the execution of the evacuation process. He expressed appreciation to the staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ghana’s High Commission in Pretoria for their commitment throughout the operation.
The minister also acknowledged the support of colleague ministers, senior government officials and several state agencies, including the Ghana Armed Forces, Ghana Airports Company Limited, Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, National Disaster Management Organisation, Ghana Immigration Service and Ghana Police Service.
International partners and private sector actors were equally recognised for their contributions. Beyond the evacuation itself, the minister indicated that the government is collaborating with business leaders to create opportunities for returning nationals.
“We are grateful to Ghanaian CEOs for their remarkable partnership with us aimed at creating employment opportunities for our returning nationals.”
Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa
Employment support is expected to form a crucial aspect of the reintegration process, particularly for those who depended on businesses and jobs in South Africa before the attacks forced them to leave.
The involvement of the private sector could play an important role in easing the transition for returnees and helping them regain financial stability.
Commitment to Citizen Welfare
Hon. Ablakwa also praised President John Dramani Mahama for his leadership during the evacuation exercise. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting the interests of Ghanaians both within and beyond the country’s borders.
“The Mahama Administration shall continue to defend the rights of our cherished citizens, serve with compassion and safeguard the welfare of ALL GHANAIANS”.
Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa
As the returnees begin the process of rebuilding their lives, the government says it remains focused on ensuring that no Ghanaian affected by the recent events in South Africa is left without the support needed to move forward.
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